Carnival Encounter

What it's like

• A big ship: steadier than most smaller ships, though you may feel some movement in rough water.
• Lots of room per guest, so pool decks and lines feel calmer than on most ships.
• Refreshed recently (2025), so it has many of the line's newest features.
• A kids' club for families, plus adults-only space for a quieter escape.

Highlights: Broad multi-level theater, large central atrium lounge, outdoor movie screen

At a glance

Size

108,865 gross tons (Large)

Guests (two per cabin)

2,600

Space per guest

41.9 gross tons per guest (the middle half of ships: 37–42)

Built

2002

Last major refurbishment

2025

Cabins

1,557 (632 interior, 220 ocean view, 705 balcony)

Included restaurants

4

Specialty restaurants (extra charge)

4

Bars and lounges

11

Casino

Yes

Kids' club

Yes

Adults-only area

Yes

Spa

Yes

Where it sails

• From Brisbane · Australia & New Zealand · South Pacific · Year-round · 3–11 nights

Routes and seasons, not live availability. We look up real sailings and prices for you.

Where to book your cabin

• For the least motion, choose a cabin low and in the middle of the ship (midship), near the central elevators.
• For quiet, avoid cabins directly under the pool deck, buffet, theater or nightclub, and right beside the elevators or service areas.
• Cabins at the very front feel the most pitching in rough seas; cabins at the very back can feel some vibration from the engines.
• Some balcony cabins have partly blocked views (lifeboats, for example); the deck plan marks them, so check before you book.

For the exact layout, see the official deck plan for Carnival Encounter on Carnival's website ↗.

Sister ships

Built to the same design (Grand Class), so they feel very similar on board:

Carnival Adventure